Apparatus and method for treatment of liquids



Jan. 4, 1938. w. B. KERRICK APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OFLIQUIDS Original Filed Nov. 14. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR: WALTERB. KERRICK.

BY /z ATTORNEY Jan. 4, 1938. w. B. KERRICK APPARATUS AND METHOD FORTREATMENT OF LIQUIDS Original Filed Nov. 14, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4INVENTOR: WALTER B. KERRICK.

AT TQRN EY.

Jan. 4, 1938. w. B. KERRlCK APPARATUS mu) METHOD FOR TREATMENT OFLIQUIDS Original Filed Nov; 14. 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I/I/l/lll/ 91/1/91Ill/llll/l/l/l/lI/l I INVENTOR: WALTER B. KERRICK.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 4, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS AND METHODFOR TREAT- MENT F LIQUIDS WalterB. Ker-rick, Los Angeles, Calil'.,assignor,

by mesne assignments, to Clayton Manufacturing Company, Alhambra,Calif., a corporation of California 13 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in fluid heaters and moreparticularly to an apparatus and methods for heat treating liquids andvarious solutions.

The principal object of the invention is to provide means for subjectingliquids, such as colloidal solutions, to precisely maintained conditionsof quantity, volume, temperature, pressure, and speed of flow.

Anotherobject is to avoid dry spots or localized areas of heatingsurface, liable to burn out the heater, deposit scale and injure theliquid.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description progresses.

In this specification and the accompanying drawings the invention isdisclosed in its preierred form, but it is to be understood that it isnot limited to this form because it may be embodied in other forms. Itis also to be understood that in and by the claims following thedescription, it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever form itmay be embodied.

The present embodiment of the invention has to do particularly with thetreatment of colloidal liquids such as soapy and other solutions, withthe object of refining the solutions to render them more effective. Theimproved results very economically accomplished in the presentapparatus, are largely due to the finer division or comminution of thesoap particles and their more uniform diffusion throughout the liquid.

So far as I am aware there is no apparatus of this nature through whichit is possible to pass a soapy or similar solution that will not burnthe solution or choke the heating coils with precipitates. One primeadvantage of the present invention is the maintenance of a solid columnof fluid with a progressively rising temperature and velocity, in whichsurging and foaming is prevented. Such solid column of fluid may includesmall steam or vapor bubbles formed during the operation of theapparatus under, the conditions of temperature and pressure set outhereinafter, and in which column said bubbles are maintained dispersedor segregated by the velocity of flow of the liquid through the coil,whereby the formation of the undesirable dry spots or localized areas ofheating surface referred to hereinbefore is precluded. Moreover, themaintenance of 50 steam bubbles in the segregated state also serves toprevent the formation of substantial pockets of vapor in the heatingcoil and this eliminates surging and foaming during discharge.

This application is a continuation of my application Serial No. 495,636,filed November 14,

1930, for Fluid heaters. For further particulars reference should alsobe made to my two co-pending applications, Serial No. 495,634, filedNovember 14, 1930, for Method of treating liquids, and Serial No.495,635, filed November 14, 1930, for Thermostatic controls.

Fonthe purpose of illustrating one practical form of the invention, thesame is herein shown embodied in an apparatus for treating a cleaningsolution to form a spray of uniform character and applying such spray toa surface to be cleaned. However, the adaptation of the principles ofthe invention for other uses will be obvious.-

In the accompanying three sheets of drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a heating apparatusconstructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section partially in full lines, of the liquidheater forming part of the apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a similar view of the furnace portion showing the gas nozzlesin full lines.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the valve end portion of thethermostatic fuel control, shown in vertical section.

Fig. 5 is a similar view of the opposite end of the same.

In detail the construction illustrated in the drawings, referring toFigs. 2 and 3, comprises the base section or combustion chamber I,preferably of cast iron. This base has the neck 2 formed thereon nearthe top, through which the thermostatic unit T may be passed inassembling the apparatus. The base I also has the projecting lugs 3 uponwhich the thermal unit base ring I1 is supported. It also has theinternal lugs 4-4 to support the burner B, or other source of heat.

The burner B comprises the throat 5, and tuyeres 1I having lugs 4 boltedto the lugs 4.

v The throat 5 has the tubular intake 6, extending through the side ofthe base l'and open to the atmosphere. The tuyres l'! are curved andlead laterally from opposite sides of the throat 5 and are directedtoward each other with their axes meeting at about to each other, asshown in Fig. 3. These tuyres are divided on the line 8 and boltedtogether by bolts (not shown) passing through the lugs 9-9 at intervalsto facilitate production and the later introduction of the gas nozzlesIDHI.

The gas nozzles l0l0 are screwed into the T II, which is screwed ontothe end of the gas supply pipe l2. These nozzles are bent to follow thehead 23 and the outer end of the tube 29 the radial axes of the tuyeresI, wherein they tuyres adjacent the outlets thereof where ignition takesplace to form columnar flames the shape of the outlets I3. These flames,directed together by the tuyeres, meet at the center of the combustionchamber I and intermingle into a single vertical column of flame,substantially round as molded by the annulus of the combustion chamberI, and the cylindrical lower coll of the heater tube, more fullydescribed hereinafter. The burner is ignited by the usual pilot light l4within the combustion chamber.

This type of burner is highly efficient in the burning of natural gas,which must be handled 4 very differently from manufactured gas owing toand within the path of the flame issuing from the burner B.- Both endsof this element project through the walls of the combustion chamberwithout contact therewith, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. In order that thethermal element may be unaffected by extraneous conditions, it ismounted in a base of novel construction.

This base consists of the annulus or ring I I, exteriorly encircling thecombustion chamber, but circumferentially spaced therefrom and restingupon the lugs 33, to which it is fixed by the threaded ends of the tierods l8--I8 which pass through the ring I1 and the lugs 3--3, said ringand lugs being secured together between the running nuts I8.

On a diametrical line transverse to the lugs 33, the anchor boss I9 andthe neck 20 are formed on the ring H. A sleeve 26I surrounds the neck 20and closes a lateral opening 202 therein. The boss I9 is threaded toreceive the guide 2I which is screwed therethrough. The yoke 22 isthreaded on this guide and jammed against the boss I9 to lock the guideand yoke in fixed relation to the ring I I.

The bypass head 23 has one end of the trunnion 24 fixed therein andslidably arranged in the guide 2I. The other end of this trunnion isthreaded through the running nut 25, confined in the slot 26 in the yoke22. This nut may be provided with the handle 21. The turning of the nutgives a micrometric longitudinal adjustment of the trunnion 24.

The head 23 has the side outlet 28 into which the discharge end 5| ofthe heater tube 41 is fixed, and connects with the center tube 29 of'the thermal unit. The external tube 30 is screwed into the head 23 andsurrounds the inner tube 29. The inner end of the tube 29 is alsoscrewed into terminates near the free end of the outer tube 30 and isflared or expanded outwards and notched so that it is held coaxial withthe outer tube, leaving an annular return space 29 between these tubes.This annular space discharges from the head 23 at the spud 3 I.

Thefree end of the external tube 36 is screwed into the cap 32, intowhich the valve stem 33 is also coaxially screwed, and locked by the nut34. This stem is slidably guided in the stufllng box 35, provided by theplug 36 fixed into the end of the neck 26 of the base ring I! by thesetscrew 36'.

The disc valve or fuel control valve 38 is freely mounted upon the endof the valve stem 33 and adapted to seat evenly against the annularvalve seat 39 formed and finished on the inner face of the valve housing46 screwed onto the plug 36. This housing has the service pipe 4Iscrewed thereinto to supply gas fuel through the manual plug valve 42.'The outlet pipe 43 leads from this housing, below the disc valve 38, tothe burner supply pipe I2, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

It is obvious that the longitudinal expansion and contraction of thetube 30 will open and close the fuel supply valve 38 and determine thevolume of heat produced by the burner within the combustion chamber I;

It is equally manifest that conducting the discharge from the end 5I ofthe heater coil into the head 23 through the tube 29 and back throughthe tube 39 will modify the thermostatic behavior of the tube 36, willvary the fuel supply to compensate for the difference in temperaturebetween the external flame and the internal liquid, and to maintain themat athermal equilibrium determined by the manual adjustment of the nut25, which in turn determines the opening and closing moment of the fuelvalve 38.

The heater comprises the casing 44 which forms a continuation of thewall of the combustion chamber. This casing is preferably composed oftwo interspaced walls 44'--45 enclosing sheet asbestos or other heatinsulating material. The casingis topped by the cover 46 having the vent46' and held in position by the tie rods III-I8 engaging the lugs on thecover 46. The heater tube 41 enters the casing at the top and isarranged in a series of spiral coils 48-48 joined by their descendingends 4949 The lower coil 50 of the series is preferably made cylindricalto provide combustion space above the burner and to absorb the "heatgiven off laterally from the burner, which materially lowers thetemperature of the lower part of the casing 44.

The end M of the coil 50 is fixed in the head 23 at 28 and dischargesthrough the thermostat, as previously described. The outlet pipe screwedinto the spud 3|, and leads through the manual valve 53 into the hose54. The nozzle 55 on this hose has the tip 55 thereon with a calibr'atedoval orifice proportioned to the capacity of the apparatus, under thefixed predetermined conditions hereinafter more fully described.

Referring to Fig. 1, the solution to be treated is mixed in thereceiving tank 56, from which it is drawn into the pump chamber 51 ofthe pump 58. The usual check valve (not shown) is interposed betweenthesupply chamber 51 and the pump 58. Another check valve (not shown)operates between the pump and the base of the air chamber 59 into whichthe pump discharges. The lower level of the air chamber 59 is connectedby the pipe 60, through the manual valve 6|, with the upper end 41, ofthe heater coils 48.

The return pipe 62 is interposed in the pipe 60 and leads back to thereceiving tank 56, through the relief valve 62', to protect the heateragainst excess pressure. The relief valve is set to blow oil at apressure above the normal operating pressure.

The pump is driven by the motor 63 and the interposed pulleys and belttransmission, or otherwlse.

It has been proved in practice that by the use 0t this invention verymild soapy solutions are rendered effective in cleaning road grime andoily deposits from road vehicles, garage, machine shop and factoryfloors, and similar surfaces. Even deposits which resist the action ofstrong soapy and caustic solutions otherwise app'lied are effectivelyremoved by the use of the invention.

A solution of any ordinary household bar soap or soap chips, consistingof 9 oz. of soap dissolved in 30 gallons of water, about 9 oz. of soapto 3,840 ounces of water, is effective at relatively low temperature,pressure and velocity although it will be obvious that these proportionsare not critical.

The success of this invention depends very largely upon the maintenanceof constants in the quantity of solution delivered to the elongatedheater tube, which is determined by the capacity of the .pump; apractically constant unbroken body or column of solution in the heatertube, which is maintained by the calibrated outlet orifice incombination with said check valves to prevent surging; and practicallyconstant volume of heat in the combustion chamber, determined by thethermostatic unit T. The air chamber 59 merely counteracts thepulsations of the pump. There are four constants to be maintained asprecisely as is mechanically possible, viz; quantity,

body, heat and discharge.

This invention operates substantially as follows: The soap and water orother desired mixture or solution is placed in the tank 56. From thetank the solution is forced through the coils 48 in quantitiesdefinitely measured by the pump 58. The capacity of the dischargeorifice 55' is such that a back pressure is built up within the coils48. This volumetric proportion between the capacity of the pump and thecapacity of the orifice assures a continuous column of fiuid, adesirable velocity of fiow while passing through the coils 4B andprevents precipitation and scaling of the tubes.

The liquid flowing downward toward the source of heat in the combustionchamber, is gradually heated until it reaches maximum temperature in thetube 30.

In the present use of the invention for treating and spraying cleaningsolutions, the maximum ".esirable temperature is about 350 F. to 375 F.in the tube 30. This temperature elongates the thermostat tube 30 whichmoves the fuel control valve 38 to the proper position with respect tothe seat 39 to maintain the desired temperature as adjusted by the nut25, or the stem 33 and nut 34, see Fig. 5.

The rise in temperature in the coils 48, expands the liquid therein,progressively increasing the velocity as it approaches and passesthrough the orifice 55' in the nozzle 55. This increase in velocity ofthe stream as it passes through the orifice 55' is also due to theconversion or fiashing of some of the water of the solution into steamas described more fully below. Since the column of fiuid cannot back upbeyond the pump 59 and it is constantly being replaced by the new liquidpumped in, steam or vapor cannot segregate and remain in the coils 48;therefore, a constant column of fluid is at all times maintained in thetubes of the \heater. The fiuid in the case just considered is, ofcourse, water at 184 lbs. absolute pressure and at a temperature of 375F. It will be readily appreciated by those familiar with the propertiesof saturated steam that under the conditions of pressure and temperaturegiven, said water may be in the nature of the fluid previouslydescribed, that is to say, contain steam or vapor bubbles which aremaintained substantially segregated because of the high velocity atwhich the stream is pumped through the heating coil. It will also beapparent that because of said high velocity, the hot stream flowingthrough the heating coil is given little time in which to absorb enoughlatent heat to produce steam bubbles in excessive or undesirable volume.This affords an explanation of why the formation of dry spots or pocketsof steam in the coil, and surging and foaming of the stream at thenozzle, is avoided. Whenever this hot stream emerges from the heater ata temperature of 375 F. a portion thereof, because of the substantialdrop in pressure, instantly vaporizes or flashes into saturated steam atatmospheric pressure and at a temperature of about 212 F. and the wateris instantly lowered to this temperature. If the device is used wherethe relative humidity of the air is below the saturation point, somefurther evaporation takes place just after the jet leaves the nozzle andthe fluid striking the object to be cleaned is at temperaturesconsiderably below the atmospheric boiling point.

The temperature, pressure and velocity of the liquid can be raised orlowered at will by swinging the handle 2'! to thermostatically controlthe capacity of the valve 38. So long as a constant flow of fluid ismaintained therein, there can be no vapor segregated within the heatertubes at any temperature.

The form and arrangement of the heater tubes, in combination with thegas heater and interposed thermostat unit has proved very satisfactory,but the structure of these elements may be variedor substituted, withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention, so long as the c nditionsspecified can be accurately propor: ,-.:i-;d and maintained.

The joining of the ring I'I to the lugs 3 of the combustion chamber is arefinement adding greater accuracy to the thermostatic control. Underusual working conditions the base ring ll "will absorb some heat fromthe wall I of the combustion chamber. Any heating of the ring I! willcause it to expand and open the valve 38. I have found that fixing thering I! to the combustion chamber at diametrical points transverse tothe diameter across which the thermostatic element extends, will causethe ring I! to distort out of round transversely across the line of thethermostat. The transverse distortion of the ring H is caused by theexpansion of the combustion chamber l and the consequent pressureagainst the ring I! at 33. It has been found that the distortion liquidexpands or is converted into vapor with a consequent drop in pressureand temperature upon venting the heated stream into an atmosphere underpressure lower than that in the coil 41. This temperature drop is sopronounced at the proper operating distance of about one foot from thenozzle, that the treated soapy solutions can be applied to the mostdelicate lacquer surfaces and fine fabrics without the least danger ofinjury from the heat or the ingredients in the solution. It is not toomuch to say that any texture that can withstand the action of cold watermay be cleaned with perfect safety. The reason for this is that thesolution is so homogeneous that the particles of soap are so minute andso evenly diffused that they do not coagulate or collect on the surfacein suflicieht quantity to react therewith; their aflinity is for theoily scum or accumulations thereon. A further reason is that the drop intemperature is sudden enough toeliminate the heat danger, before thevelocity of the jet is spent; thus retaining the advantages of thehydraulicking or bombarding effect of the wet vapor against the surfaceto be cleaned. Furthermore, very little water is actually used. The jetis neither dry steam nor saturated vapor but hot water containing asmall percentage of its weight of saturated steam. The surface treateddries almost immediately and the human hand can be held in the jetwithin a foot or so of the nozzle tip 30. Soapy solutions thus treatedare far superior when used for laundry purposes, whether jetted againstthe fabrics or used in bulk in the conventional manner.

It should be noted that the tube 30 is the heat responsive element ofthe thermostat. As previously stated, this tube is acted upon externallyby the products of combustion from the burner being heated and expandedthereby which tends to close the valve 38 and shutoff the supply of fuelpassing to the burner. When liquid is being discharged through the hose54 this liquid flows through the tube 55' and tends to.cool it, thuscontracting the tube and tending to close the valve 38. If the flow ofliquid through the tube 30 is reduced, the cooling action of the liquidinside the tube is reduced and the valve 38 partially closes, thusreducing the amount of fuel supplied to the burner. If the flow ofliquid passing through the tube 30 is increased, the cooling action isincreased and more fuel is supplied, With liquid passing through thetube 30 at a constant rate and at a substantially constant temperature,the action of the tube is wholly dependent upon the temperature of theproducts of combustion of the burner and the tube 30 acts to maintainthe temperature of the liquid at a substantially constant value,

It will be noted that the disc valve 38 is moved by the expansion of thetube 30. This tube is heated by the combustion products from the'burner, which products pass upwardly theresurround it and heat it andthe temperature of the fluids which pass through it and cool it.

It will be clear from the foregoing that in order to produce a spray ofconstant character it is necessary to correlate the quantity of input orrate of pumping with the capacity or rate of discharge of the spraynozzle so that an unbroken body or column of fluid under pressure andfree from steam pockets will be maintained in the heating coil; andfurthermore, that the fuel supply must be nicely manipulated with dueregard to the qualities of the stream in order that said stream willhave acquired during its flow through the heating coil those desirableproperties which ,will convert at least a portion thereof into vaporupon discharge into an atmosphere at a pressure lower than thatmaintained in the coil.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination in an apparatus for producing a cleaning jet ofconstant character and containing'steam, water and a detergent, whichjet is effective in cleaning surfaces when discharged at a shortdistance therefrom: a heater providing pipe means defining an elongatedpassage; pump means for pumping water containing a detergent at asubstantially constant uniform rate into one end of said elongatedpassage; thermodynamic control means including a tube of material whichexpands when heated; means for conducting fluid from the other end ofsaid elongated passage through and along said tube to flow in contactwith the inner wall of said tube; a conduit connected to the dischargeend of said tube; a nozzle into which said conduit discharges andproviding an oriflce of a size predetermined with relation to said rateof pumping and the character of spray to be produced and acting to buildup a pressure in said tube; a burner for burning a fuel and producingproducts of combustion, said burner being so positioned with respect tosaidfiube that said products of combustion play directly on the exteriorof said tube of said thermodynamic control means, whereby said tube isheated by said prod ucts of combustion and thus transfers heat to thefluid flowing in cdntact with said inner wall thereof, thus causing thetube itself to be at a temperature intermediate the temperature of theproducts of combustion and the fluid flowing therethrough, said productsof combustion rising externally of said pipe means to progressively heatthe fluid therein during continuous stream flow thereof through saidelongated passage with sufficient turbulence to insure delivery to saidtube of a uniform detergent fluid; and means operated by the expansionand contraction of said tube and thus responsive to said intermediatetemperature thereof for decreasing the fuel supplied to said burner whensaid intermediate temperature rises and for increasing the fuel supplywhen said intermediate temperature falls thus controlling thethermodynamic conditions of the fluid delivered to said nozzle, saidthermodynamic control means being so constructed and arranged as tocorrelate the supply of fuel to said rate of pumping and nozzle orificesize in a manner to maintain said fluid at a predetermined temperaturesuch that when the fluid is discharged into the atmosphere at least aportion thereof will vaporize and thus maintain a. cleaning jet of saidconstant character discharging from said nozzle toward the surface to becleaned.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1 in which said pump means forcessaid water containing said detergent into that end of said elongatedpassage farthest removed from said burner,

thereby progressively heating the same by movement thereof into aprogressively hotter zone until it reaches said tube wherein it issubjected to the maximum temperature.

3. In combination in an apparatus for producing a high velocity jet ofsubstantially constant temperature and character: a heater providing apipe means defining an elongated passage of restricted cross sectionalarea and providing an intake and discharge end, there being anexpansible tube near the discharge end of said elongated passage andcooperating in defining one section thereof whereby a stream of materialflowing through said elongated passage moves with turbulence due to therestricted cross sectional area thereof and moves in contact with theinner wall of said expansible tube in heattransferring relationshiptherewith before being discharged from said elongated passage; pumpmeans for delivering a stream of liquid containing a detergent at asubstantially constant uniform rate to the intake end of said elongatedpassage with suflicient pressure to overcome any pressure existingtherein during operation of the device; a burner adjacent saidexpansible tube for delivering products of combustion directly intocontact therewith, said products of combustion also moving exteriorly ofsaid pipe means to heat said material flowing therein, said products ofcombustion being hotter than said expansible tube whereby said tube isheated externally by said products and transfers heat to the stream ofmaterial flowing therethrough thus assuming a temperature intermediatethe temperature of said products of combustion and said material flowingtherethrough; means for mounting said expansible tube to permit one endthereof to move axially in response to the expansion and contraction ofsaid tube when said intermediate temperature varies; means fordelivering fuel to said burner; control means for controlling the amountof fuel so delivered to said burner; means operatively connecting saidmovable end of said expansible tube to said control means to decreaseand increase the fuel supply in response to an increase and decreaserespectively in said intermediate temperature of said expansible tube tomaintain said liquid at a predetermined temperature of such a degreethat when the liquid is discharged into the atmosphere at least aportion thereof will vaporize; and a jet discharge nozzle connected tothe discharge end of said elongated passage, said nozzle having anorifice of a predetermined size correlated to the delivery rate of saidpump means for controlling the pressure in said expansible tube and fordischarging the form of jet desired, said expansible tube and controlmeans being so constructed and arranged as to correlate the supply offuel to said rate of pumping and nozzle discharge to thus maintain saiddesired temperature, whereby a high velocity detergent jet of saidconstant character will be produced when said liquid is discharged intosaid atmosphere.

4. In combination in an apparatus for producing a high velocity jet ofsubstantially constant temperature and character: a heater providing a.pipe means defining an elongated passage of restricted across sectionalarea and providing an intake and discharge end, there being anexpansible tube near the discharge end of said elongated passage andcooperating in defining one section thereof whereby a stream of materialflowing through said elongated passage moves with turbulence due to therestricted cross sec: tional area thereof and moves in contact with theinner wall of said expansible tube in heattransferring relationshiptherewith before being discharged from said elongated passage; pumpmeans for delivering a stream of liquid containing a detergent to theintake end of said elongated passage at a predetermined uniform rate andwith sufficient pressure to overcome any pressure existing thereinduring operation of the device; a burner producing products ofcombustion for heating said pipe means and positioned to direct productsof combustion directly against said expansible tube thereby heating saidtube and transferring heat to the stream of material flowingtherethrough whereby the temperature effecting expansion of said tube isintermediate the temperatures inside and outside said tube and dependsinpart upon the amount of heat transferred from the inner wall of saidtube to the stream flowing therein; means responsive to the axialexpansion and contraction of said intermediate-temperature tube forcontrolling said burner to supply less heat when said expansible tubeexpands and to supply more heat when said expansible tube contracts tomaintain said stream at a desired temperature of such a degree that aportion thereof will vaporize in said elongated passage; and ajet-producing discharge means communicating with the discharge end ofsaid elongated passage for receiving and expanding thecontinuously-flowing stream discharged from said elongated passage andthus controlling the pressure in said expansible tube, said dischargemeans having a passage of a size proportioned to said delivery rate ofsaid pump means and the character of spray desired, said expansible tubeand control means being so constructed and arranged as to relativelycorrelate the supply of burner-fuel to said pump delivery and dischargepassage size to thus maintain said desired temperature, whereby saidhigh velocity jet of substantially constant temperature and characterwill be produced.

5. An apparatus for producing a jet-like spray of constant charactercontaining a liquid and water vapor, comprising, a heater includingmeans defining an elongated passage having an inlet and an outlet, pumpmeans for forcing a supply of liquid at a substantially uniform rateinto said inlet of said elongated passage and for forcing said liquidthrough said elongated passage in the form of a stream, heating meansfor heating said stream as it flows through said elongated passage to adesired temperature of such a degree that a portion of the liquid ofsaid stream will vaporize when discharged into the atmosphere, thermallyresponsive heat control means connected with said elongated passage andexposed to said stream, said thermally responsive heat control meansbeing arranged and constructed so that it is responsive to variations inthe thermal condition of said stream, said thermally responsive heatcontrol means being operatively connected with said heating means forvarying the amount of heat supplied thereby in accordance withvariations in the temperature of said stream from the desiredtemperature to thus continuously attain said desired temperature,and

spray discharge means in communication with the outlet of said elongatedpassage, said spray discharge means including a passage of a size socorrelated to said rate of supply of said pump and to the temperaturemaintained by said thermally responsive heat control means as to producea spray of said constant character.

6. An apparatus for producing a jet-like spray of constant character,comprising, a heater including an elongated passage having inlet andoutlet ends, pump means for pumping a liquid at a substantially constantuniform rate and un' der a predetermined pressure into the inlet end ofsaid elongated passage and for forcing said Iiquid to flow through saidelongated passage in the form of a stream, heating means comprising aheating element for heating said stream as it passes through saidelongated passage to impart when the stream is discharged into anatmosphere at a pressure lower than said predetermined pressure aportion thereof will vaporize, control means connected with the outletend of said elongated passage and arranged and constructed so that it isresponsive to variations in the physical condition of said streamflowing from said elongated passage, said control means beingoperatively connected with said heating means for controlling the amountof heat supplied by said heating element in accordance with variationsfrom said desired physical condition of said stream to thus impart saiddesired physical condition to said stream, a spray discharge means, andmeans establishing communication between said elongated passage and saidspray discharge means, said spray discharge means including a passage ofa size so correlated to the constant rate or supply of said pump and tothe operation of said control means as to produce a spray of saidconstant character.

7. An apparatus for producing a jet-like spray of constant charactercontaining water vapor, comprising, a heater including means defining atortuous passage having an inlet and an outlet, pump means for pumping asupply of liquid under superatmospheric pressure at a substantiallyconstant uniform rate into said inlet of said tortuous passage and forforcing said liquid through said tortuous passage in the form of astream, heating means for heating said stream as it passes through saidtortuous passage to a desired temperature of such a degree that aportion of said liquid will vaporize when discharged into an atmosphereat a pressure lower than said superatmospheric pressure, thermallyresponsive heat control means connected with said tortuous passage andin the path of flow of said stream, said thermally responsive heatcontrol means being arranged and constructed so that it is responsive tovariations in the thermal condition of said stream, said thermallyresponsive heat control means being operatively connected with saidheating means for varying the amount of heat supplied thereby inaccordance with variations in the temperature of said stream from thedesired temperature to thus continuously attain said desiredtemperature, and spray discharge means in communication with the outletof said tortuous passage, said spray discharge means including a passageof a size so correlated to said'substantially constant rate of supply ofsaid pump and to the temperature maintained by said thermally responsiveheat control means as to produce a spray of said constant character.

8. The method of forming a jet of constant character containing steam,water and at least one other material which comprises producing amixture of water and at least one other material by adding one to theother, placing said mixture under a predetermined pressure, pumping saidmixture through an elongated'heating zone in the form of a stream at asubstantially uniform predetermined rate, said pressure beingsufficiently high to overcome any frictional resistance to the flow ofsaid stream and to impart thereto a. velocity sufficient to maintain asubstantially uniform dispersion of one of said materials in the otherduring flow through said elongated heating zone, heating said stream ormixture during HOW to a desired temperature of such a degree that whensaid stream or mixture is discharged into an atmosphere at a pressurelower than said predetermined pressure at least a portion of said waterwill vaporize, varying said,

heating in accordance with variations in the temperature of said streamfrom the desired temperature to thus continuously attain said desiredtemperature, and discharging said heated stream into said atmosphere ata rate so correlated to .5

said uniform predetermined rate of pumping and desired temperature as tothereby flash at least a portion of said water into vapor.

9. The method of forming a jet of constant character containing steamwhich comprises, 1 placing a liquid under superatmospheric pressure,pumping said liquid through an elongated heating zone in the form of astream, at a substantially uniform rate, said pressure beingsufficiently high to overcome any frictional resistance to the flow l'of said stream, heating said stream during flow to a desired temperatureof such a degree that a portion of said liquid will vaporize in saidelongated heating zone, varying said heating in accordance withvariations in the temperature of 2 said stream from the desiredtemperature to thus continuously attain said desired temperature, and

discharging said liquid into an atmosphere at a pressurelower than saidsuperatmospheric pres sure at a rate so correlated to said substantially2 under superatmospheric pressure and at a sub- 3.

stantially constant uniform predetermined rate through an elongatedheating zone, saidpressure being sufficiently high to overcome anyfrictional resistance to the flow of said stream and to 1m.-

part thereto a velocity suiflcient to maintain one 4 of said materialsdispersed in the other during flow through said elongated heating zone,supplying fuel for progressively heating said stream during said flow toimpart a desired predetermined physical condition thereto such that whenthe mixture is discharged into an atmosphere at a pressure lower thansaid superatmospheric pressure a portion of said water will vaporize,the volume of fuel supplied being independent of said rate of pumping,whereby said volume 5 may be varied to compensate for variations in thestream from the desired physical condition to thus obtain said desiredpredetermined physical condition of said stream, and discharging theheated mixture into an atmosphere at a pressure 5 lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure at a rate so correlated to the substantiallyconstant predetermined rate of pumping and desired physical condition asto thereby form a spray of said constant character. 3

11. The method of forming a heated spray of constant charactercontaining water vapor and at least one other material, which comprises,producing a mixture of water and at least one other material by addingone material to the 6 other, pumping said mixture in the form of astream under superatmospheric pressure and at a substantially constantuniform predetermined rate through an elongated heating zone saidpressure being sufiiciently high to overcome 7 any frictional resistanceto the flow of said stream and to impart thereto a velocity sufficientto maintain one of said materials dispersed in the other during flowthrough said' elongated heating zone, progressively heating said stream7 during said flow to impart a desired predetermined physical conditionthereto such that when the mixture is discharged into an atmosphere at apressure lower than said superatmospheric pressure a portion of saidwater will vaporize, varying said heating in accordance with variationsfrom the desired physical condition of the area-m at a point adjacent tothe discharge end of said heating zone to thus obtain said desiredpredetermined physical condition of said stream, and discharging theheated mixture into an at mosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure at a rate so correlated to the substantiallyconstant predetermined rate of pumpin and desired physical condition asto thereby form a spray of said constant character. 12. An apparatus forproducing a jet-like spray of constant character containing water vapor,comprising, a heater including means defining a tortuous passage havingan inlet and an outlet, pump means for pumping a supply of liquid undersuperatmospheric pressure at a substantiallly uniform rate into saidinlet of said tortuous passage and for forcing said liquid through saidtortuous passage in the form of a stream, heatingmeans for heatingsaid-stream as it passes through said tortuous passage to a desiredtemperature of such a degree that a portion of said liquid will vaporizewhen discharged into an atmosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure, thermally responsive heat control meansconnected with the said tortuous passage and in the path of flow of saidstream, said thermally responsive heat control means being arranged andconstructed so that it is responsive to variations in the thermalcondition of said stream, said thermally responsive heat control meansbeing operatlvely connected with said heating means for varying theamount of 40 heat supplied thereby in accordance with varia- WALTER-B.KERRICK.

tions in the temperature of said stream from the desired temperature tothus continuously attain said desired temperature, and spray dischargemeans directly connected to the discharge end of said thermallyresponsive heat control means,

said spray discharge means including a passage of a size so correlatedto said substantially uniform rate of supply of said pump and to thetemperature maintained by said thermally responsive heat control meansas to produces. spray of said constant character.

13. The method of forming a jet of constant character containing steamwhich comprises, pumping a liquid under superatmospheric pressurethrough an elongated heating zone in the form of a stream at asubstantially uniform rate, heating said stream during flow to atemperature of such a degree that a portion of said liquid will vaporizeand form small steam bubbles in said elongated heating zone and anotherportion of said liquid will be converted into vapor upon venting ordischarging into an atmosphere under a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure, said uniform rate of pumping being such as toimpart a velocity to said stream suilicient to maintain said steambubbles substantially dispersed in said stream from the time of theirentrainment in said stream until the time of discharge, varying saidheating in accordance with variations in the temperature of said streamfrom the desired temperature at a point adjacent to the discharge end ofsaid elongated heating zone to thus attain said desired temperature, anddischarging said stream into an atmosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure at a rate so correlated to said substantiallyuniform rate of pumping and desired temperature as to produce a spray ofsaid constant character.

WALTER B. KERRICK.

' cam Indira 0F. CORRECTION.

January 9w- ."It'1s hereby. certified that error appears in the printedspecification of the above numbered patent requiring correction asfollows: Page J first column, lihe26, for the numeral read'55'; line 38,for "55'" read 30;"page 5, first column, line clain 1 for "across" readcross, and

that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with these correctionstherein same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.Signed and sealed this 15th day or min-ch, A. n. 1938.,

Henry VanArsdale, Acting Commissioner of Patents.

during said flow to impart a desired predetermined physical conditionthereto such that when the mixture is discharged into an atmosphere at apressure lower than said superatmospheric pressure a portion of saidwater will vaporize, varying said heating in accordance with variationsfrom the desired physical condition of the area-m at a point adjacent tothe discharge end of said heating zone to thus obtain said desiredpredetermined physical condition of said stream, and discharging theheated mixture into an at mosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure at a rate so correlated to the substantiallyconstant predetermined rate of pumpin and desired physical condition asto thereby form a spray of said constant character. 12. An apparatus forproducing a jet-like spray of constant character containing water vapor,comprising, a heater including means defining a tortuous passage havingan inlet and an outlet, pump means for pumping a supply of liquid undersuperatmospheric pressure at a substantiallly uniform rate into saidinlet of said tortuous passage and for forcing said liquid through saidtortuous passage in the form of a stream, heatingmeans for heatingsaid-stream as it passes through said tortuous passage to a desiredtemperature of such a degree that a portion of said liquid will vaporizewhen discharged into an atmosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure, thermally responsive heat control meansconnected with the said tortuous passage and in the path of flow of saidstream, said thermally responsive heat control means being arranged andconstructed so that it is responsive to variations in the thermalcondition of said stream, said thermally responsive heat control meansbeing operatlvely connected with said heating means for varying theamount of 40 heat supplied thereby in accordance with varia- WALTER-B.KERRICK.

tions in the temperature of said stream from the desired temperature tothus continuously attain said desired temperature, and spray dischargemeans directly connected to the discharge end of said thermallyresponsive heat control means,

said spray discharge means including a passage of a size so correlatedto said substantially uniform rate of supply of said pump and to thetemperature maintained by said thermally responsive heat control meansas to produces. spray of said constant character.

13. The method of forming a jet of constant character containing steamwhich comprises, pumping a liquid under superatmospheric pressurethrough an elongated heating zone in the form of a stream at asubstantially uniform rate, heating said stream during flow to atemperature of such a degree that a portion of said liquid will vaporizeand form small steam bubbles in said elongated heating zone and anotherportion of said liquid will be converted into vapor upon venting ordischarging into an atmosphere under a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure, said uniform rate of pumping being such as toimpart a velocity to said stream suilicient to maintain said steambubbles substantially dispersed in said stream from the time of theirentrainment in said stream until the time of discharge, varying saidheating in accordance with variations in the temperature of said streamfrom the desired temperature at a point adjacent to the discharge end ofsaid elongated heating zone to thus attain said desired temperature, anddischarging said stream into an atmosphere at a pressure lower than saidsuperatmospheric pressure at a rate so correlated to said substantiallyuniform rate of pumping and desired temperature as to produce a spray ofsaid constant character.

WALTER B. KERRICK.

' cam Indira 0F. CORRECTION.

January 9w- ."It'1s hereby. certified that error appears in the printedspecification of the above numbered patent requiring correction asfollows: Page J first column, lihe26, for the numeral read'55'; line 38,for "55'" read 30;"page 5, first column, line clain 1 for "across" readcross, and

that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read with these correctionstherein same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.Signed and sealed this 15th day or min-ch, A. n. 1938.,

Henry VanArsdale, Acting Commissioner of Patents.

